Our Student Council has been making a wonderful effort this week to lead the learning for Sign Language Week. Ka pai Joseph, Bréa, Nikki, Cobie, Alice, Tom, Leanne and Harry for this. 

Term 2 began by us gathering to pray for those who fought in the wars to ensure our right to freedom today. We remembered that Anzac Day is celebrated in Australia and New Zealand on April 25th each year. The Anzac tradition was established in 1915 when the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landed on Gallipoli Peninsula and fought courageously. The ideals of courage, mateship, resilience, and endurance are still relevant today. May their courage continue to inspire us towards a life of peace and unity. 

Viraneath, Harry, and Nikki created these watercolours 

Towards the end of last term it was a privilege to go to the Wellington Regional Primary Principals’ conference. It was a full-on 3 days of learning and network and a chance to reflect on St Anthony’s. We had a range of excellent keynote speakers such as Hamish Brewer known as a school turnaround expert who has turned around multiple schools – both at the elementary and secondary levels, working with some of the most at-risk students in America.  He outlined a hard-hitting journey that challenged us to rethink practices, disrupt the norm, and change the game. Another excellent keynote was Michelle Dickinson, known as "Nano Girl," who is a trailblazing scientist, engineer, communicator, and advocate for science education. If anything her remarkable journey from a school student (one who was considered a dropout) but who went on to defy all critics by becoming a nanoscientist and now a household name in New Zealand and beyond. We had the most laughs when she asked us did we place our food in the microwave in the middle or on the outer of the plate. 95% of us failed so let me know what group you are in and I will tell you whether you pass or fail ? It was truly a wonderful albeit full on 3 days of networking and learning for which I am grateful. 

Thanks to the number who have purchased an Entertainment Book - it is such an easy way to raise funds for the school and of course saves money when you and/or family are out. If you haven’t already have a look at the information below and sign up if you are happy to. 

Likewise, it is wonderful seeing our tamariki bringing their Yummy Stickers to school. If you haven’t got a sheet simply stick them to a piece of paper when you peel them off the fruit and send them in. Each year we can gain more sports equipment through this initiative so do shoulder tap your whānau and friends for their stickers as well. 

Sadly Harold did not join us last week but we look forward to the return of Life Education in Week 5. We have a busy few weeks ahead so here’s a reminder about a few things:-

• Week 4 Friday, May 17 is our scheduled date for the Fun Run to complete all the running that the school has been doing each day. Please watch out for the notice on Hero for more detail
• Assembly, He Atawhai was scheduled to lead this assembly on 17 May 
• Sunday 19th we have the Feast of Pentecost 
• Road Safety Week (20-26 May) Week 4 - Road Safety Heroes
• EZ Cross Country Wednesday 22 May
• Samoan Language Week (26 May - 1 June) Week 5 :  Theme: 'Tautua i le alofa mo se lumana'i manuia - Serve in love for a thriving future'.
• Grandparent’s Mass - May 29

Thanks 

Denise

May is the month of Mary and so we share with you part of the newsletter from Archbishop Paul as he reflects on the importance of Mary as a role model in our lives today.

Greetings to you as we continue our celebration of Easter. I hope you have found this time a
chance to enjoy and reflect upon the wonders of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. So many of our
readings at Mass currently show the vibrancy of the early Christian community, and their strong
desire to spread this Good News of the Risen Lord to all whom they met. It is this same mission
that we are called to in our world today.

May is the month of Mary and one which gives us the opportunity to deepen our appreciation of her
and pray for her intercession. We cherish that she said yes to the call to become the mother of the
Saviour, trusting in God’s word while not really knowing what it would all mean. She then formed
Jesus, along with St Joseph, to become the man he was and to take up his call from the Father. She
was with Jesus at his death, and she supported the disciples after the resurrection as they took up the
call to spread the Gospel. I encourage you during this month to take the time to read about Our
Lady from the many sources that are around, to pray the rosary more regularly than you may
currently, and to help our young people to discover the power of this woman of faith, the first
disciple of Jesus.

The artwork that heads our newsletter this week was created by Julia Lynch and here is the reflection about the work. 

Julia B. Lynch (1896–1975) was the daughter of Irish Catholic immigrants to New Zealand. After studying abroad at the Slade School of Art in London, Lynch returned to her native New Zealand and joined the Sisters of Mercy. (RSM), a worldwide religious congregation of women committed to serving those in need.

Lynch frequently turned to religious subjects in her art. In one of her Madonna and Child paintings, Mary wears a moko kauae (chin tattoo)—as was traditional for Māori females—and amokura feathers in her hair. For jewelry, she wears kuru(ear pendants) and a pekapeka(neck pendant) made of tangiwai pounamu.

Pounamu—typically called greenstone by English speakers—is the name Māori give to various kinds of nephrite jade and bowenite found in southern New Zealand. Tangiwai (literally, “tear-water” or “river of tears”) is a type of pounamu that is nearly transparent; Māori legend claims it originated from the tears of a lamenting woman.

In titling the work Tangiwai, Lynch invokes the mythology of this treasured gem and grafts Mary into it.

Why does Mary weep? Because she knows a sword will pierce her heart, and the anticipation hurts. She considers along with Simeon's words all the other messianic prophecies given throughout the history of her people and wishes there were another way for salvation to be achieved—a way other than the suffering and death of her little boy.

One could even extend the interpretation of the work to say that Mary, in her great compassion, weeps for the suffering of the Māori people, or of all humanity.

Attendance Dues

The Archdiocese of Wellington attendance dues team are in the process of sending out school fee notices, but due to the implementation of a new software system (CathConnect) , some may experience a delay or inaccuracies.   We appreciate your patience as the team works diligently to distribute all statements and address your inquiries promptly. Thank you for your understanding during this transition.

Some families may have been contacted recently to say that your child is running low on stationery.  If this is the case an easy way to sort this out is to order online and get it delivered straight to us here at school.

Here is the link to the class stationery orders. You don't have to purchase from OfficeMax, if you prefer you can use these lists and head to Warehouse Stationery to stock up.

Stationery Orders

Entertainment Books

Once again we are promoting the digital entertainment book as a fundraiser for St Anthony's. Buy a membership and St Anthony's receives 20% of the purchase. 

Order your membership online today 

Or look out for the posters around the school which have a QR code link to our St Anthony's order page.

Also, watch out for the details for our upcoming Movie Night ...

Join us to have a fun night out with the whānau!

Universal Pictures Presents:
DESPICABLE ME 4
Where: The Roxy Cinema
When: Wednesday, 26th June
Please arrive at 5:30 for a 6 pm start

Tickets: $20 Adult and $15 Student 
Plus there will be a raffle on the night

The vision and hearing technician will be here on 14 May to complete the vision screening programme for our year 7s and any year 8s who were absent last year. Please see below for details and let us know if you do not want your child to be screened.

Does your child have asthma? Perhaps they might be interested in joining a world-leading study led by the @MedicalResearchInstituteofNewZealand.

The START CARE Study is looking for children aged 5-15 to participate in research comparing two different inhalers to determine which one is more effective at preventing asthma attacks in kids. By participating in this study, your child will contribute to a groundbreaking study that could change how we manage childhood asthma worldwide.

Watch the little video  [POST VIDEO https://youtu.be/dbYNYUm_SSw] or click the link below for more details on how your child could be part of this important study. Let's work together to improve asthma care for our tamariki. FIND OUT MORE  https://tinyurl.com/bdhrnjvx

Bigair Gym

If your child thrives on the energy of cartwheels, handstands, trampolining, flips, dancing, or even the art of parkour, they'll find their perfect match at Bigair Gym! Bigair Gyms classes not only promote fun, focus, and fitness but also provide a platform for children to acquire new skills and cultivate personal confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Safety and proper technique are paramount in the structured sessions, catering to everyone from beginners to those mastering advanced skills. Through Bigairs Gym Programme, children experience focused learning and tangible progress, fostering a sense of achievement. The diverse range of classes includes Gymnastics, Trampolining, Tumbling, Free Running (yes, parkour with flips!), and Cheerleading. Inquire about Bigair BIRTHDAY PARTIES too!

 

Book online for Term 2 Gym Classes at www.bigairgym.co.nz

Bigair Gym Owhiro Bay: ph. 383 8779, e. wgtn@bigairgym.co.nz at 14 Landfill Road, Owhiro Bay.